playing poker and teaching science

About Me

I'm a middle school science teacher, wrestling coach, poker player, scuba diver, aikido black belt, amateur writer, and student of life. In the past I have tried to give back a little by volunteering at a children's home in Belmopan, Belize, Central America. I also love Frosted Flakes.
I have taken a year sabbatical from my teaching position in order to sail the Caribbean. Does that sound crazy to you?

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Spring Break anyone?

Another spring break and another trip or two. I'm flying solo this year so I thought I'd try out a new spot, the Hotel Cozumel and Resort. Trip Advisor gives it good rating but I'll will wait and see. There's sand, ocean, and sun. That'll do!

I had the trip booked and then I found out I had US Air points that were about to expire, so I used them for a flight to Las Vegas. Three days of playing poker sounds like a good way to spend the SECOND week of spring break this year! As a bonus, my brother will be joining me.

Monday, February 03, 2014

Hello 10 8

I was out with friends last Friday and didn’t think
I’d play at the American Legion, but decided to stop in at about 10 for an hour
or so of play. Most players seem to buy one bag of $50 in chips but I generally
buy in for $100. This night I just bought the one bag because I was just going
to splash a few pots and then head home.

I sat down in the three seat right behind the button
and look down at 10 8 off-suit and toss in two white chips when it looks like
this is a limping table. A suited 10 and 8 is one of my favorite hands to play
but I only called here because of all the limpers. Then the big bling tosses in
$4 more to sweeten the pot. Several callers later I’m priced in.

No big deal. I’m just here for a beer and a little
poker fun.

The flop is 10 8 3 rainbow. The big blind bets $9
and gets two callers ahead of me. I then raise to $31, about three-quarters of
the pot, and almost my entire stack! I get one caller. The turn is a deuce and
I toss in my last chips thinking maybe I’ll go home early and get called by 10
3 suited.

Yes. He called a raise with 10 3.

I played exactly one hand and my $50 buy in is
already up to $133. HELLO!

I played for another hour and left up $173, bringing
the American Legion total for the year at just under $500.